“Heck ___!”

NAW

This casual phrase often follows a polite refusal or expresses mild disbelief, like when someone turns down an offer they really don’t want. Think of a short, three-letter word that sounds like "no" with a Southern twist.

This clue plays on the common exclamation "Heck no!"—a mild way to say "absolutely not." The answer "NAW" is a casual, shortened version of "no," often used in speech or informal writing. The blank in the clue hints at the missing word, and the phrasing makes it clear you're looking for a simple, three-letter refusal. It’s a straightforward fill-in-the-blank with a touch of everyday slang.